CVE-2023-50233: RCE in Inductive Automation Ignition
Platform
java
Component
ignition
Fixed in
8.1.32
CVE-2023-50233 is a Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerability affecting Inductive Automation Ignition versions 8.1.31 through 8.1.31. This flaw allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code on a vulnerable system by manipulating a user-supplied path within the getJavaExecutable method. User interaction is required, specifically connecting to a malicious server. A patch is available from Inductive Automation to resolve this issue.
Detect this CVE in your project
Upload your pom.xml file and we'll tell you instantly if you're affected.
Impact and Attack Scenarios
Successful exploitation of CVE-2023-50233 grants an attacker the ability to execute arbitrary code on the affected Ignition server. This could lead to complete system compromise, including data exfiltration, modification, or deletion. The attacker could potentially gain control of the entire industrial control system (ICS) or SCADA environment where Ignition is deployed, leading to significant operational disruption and potential safety hazards. The requirement for user interaction limits the immediate exploitability, but a phishing campaign or social engineering attack could be used to trick users into connecting to a malicious server.
Exploitation Context
CVE-2023-50233 was publicly disclosed on May 3, 2024. The vulnerability's reliance on user interaction may limit its immediate exploitability, but the potential for severe impact warrants careful attention. No known active exploitation campaigns have been publicly reported at the time of writing. The vulnerability is not currently listed on the CISA KEV catalog.
Threat Intelligence
Exploit Status
EPSS
3.65% (88% percentile)
CISA SSVC
CVSS Vector
What do these metrics mean?
- Attack Vector
- Network — remotely exploitable over the internet. No physical or local access required. Widest attack surface.
- Attack Complexity
- Low — no special conditions required. Attacker can exploit reliably without depending on rare configurations or timing.
- Privileges Required
- None — unauthenticated. No login or credentials needed to exploit.
- User Interaction
- Required — victim must take an action: open a file, click a link, or visit a crafted page.
- Scope
- Unchanged — impact is limited to the vulnerable component itself.
- Confidentiality
- High — complete confidentiality loss. Attacker can read all data: credentials, keys, personal data.
- Integrity
- High — attacker can write, modify, or delete any data: databases, config files, or code.
- Availability
- High — complete crash or resource exhaustion. Full denial of service.
Affected Software
Weakness Classification (CWE)
Timeline
- Reserved
- Published
- Modified
- EPSS updated
Mitigation and Workarounds
The primary mitigation for CVE-2023-50233 is to upgrade to a patched version of Inductive Automation Ignition. Inductive Automation has released a fix, and users should apply it as soon as possible. If immediate patching is not feasible, consider implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of a successful exploit. Restrict network access to the Ignition server to only authorized users and systems. Monitor network traffic for suspicious connections to unknown or untrusted servers. While a WAF may not directly prevent this vulnerability, it can help detect and block malicious requests. After upgrade, confirm the fix by attempting to connect to a known malicious server and verifying that the connection is rejected.
How to fix
Actualice Inductive Automation Ignition a una versión posterior a la 8.1.31 para corregir la vulnerabilidad de recorrido de directorio. Esto evitará la ejecución remota de código arbitrario. Asegúrese de que los usuarios no se conecten a servidores no confiables.
CVE Security Newsletter
Vulnerability analysis and critical alerts directly to your inbox.
Frequently asked questions
What is CVE-2023-50233 — RCE in Inductive Automation Ignition?
CVE-2023-50233 is a Remote Code Execution vulnerability in Inductive Automation Ignition versions 8.1.31–8.1.31, allowing attackers to execute code via a malicious server connection. It has a HIGH severity rating (CVSS 8.8).
Am I affected by CVE-2023-50233 in Inductive Automation Ignition?
If you are running Inductive Automation Ignition versions 8.1.31 through 8.1.31, you are potentially affected by this vulnerability. Upgrade to a patched version as soon as possible.
How do I fix CVE-2023-50233 in Inductive Automation Ignition?
The recommended fix is to upgrade to a patched version of Inductive Automation Ignition. Refer to Inductive Automation's advisory for specific version details and upgrade instructions.
Is CVE-2023-50233 being actively exploited?
No active exploitation campaigns have been publicly reported at this time, but the potential for severe impact warrants immediate attention and mitigation.
Where can I find the official Inductive Automation advisory for CVE-2023-50233?
Please refer to the Inductive Automation security advisory for detailed information and mitigation steps: [https://inductiveautomation.com/security/](https://inductiveautomation.com/security/)
Is your project affected?
Upload your dependency file and we'll tell you instantly if this and other CVEs hit you.